Franklin Dean Breedlove

1933 - 2025

Franklin Dean Breedlove

August 25, 1933 - October 3, 2025

Franklin D. Breedlove, 92, of Roanoke, VA, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gracie and John Breedlove; his loving wife of 60 years, Betty Breedlove; his brothers, John Breedlove, William Breedlove, Alexander Breedlove, and Safford Breedlove; his sisters, Martha Breedlove and Nancy Dunlap; and his beloved Rottweiler, Max.

Frank is survived by his daughter, Linda Breedlove of Chicago, IL; his daughter and son-in-law, Donna Breedlove and David Priestley of Prosper, TX; his son and daughter-in-law, Brian Breedlove and Marti Zehr-Breedlove of Dallas, TX; his adoring grandchildren, Alexandra Breedlove-Priestley of Roanoke and Logan Breedlove Priestley of Prosper, TX; his sister, Peggy Sims of Winchester, VA; his brother, Francis Breedlove of Skipwith, VA; his nephew, Bill Breedlove of Crewe, VA; nieces, Kathy Berrier of Martinsburg, WV, and Dawn Blank of Severna Park, MD; and many other nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Frank lived the quintessential American dream. He was the 5th of 9 children, grew up, and worked on a tobacco farm in Aspen (Charlotte County), VA, during the Great Depression, and was even named after the president at the time, Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

As a child, his three older brothers were away serving during World War II. After serving in the Army himself, he utilized the GI Bill to attend Roanoke College, graduating with a degree in Economics, becoming the first in his family to attend college, thereby earning him the family nickname "The Senator." His professional career included work with Norfolk and Western Railroad, Sunoco, and Taylor Evans Seed Company.

While he was born, Franklin Delano Breedlove, and later changed his name to Franklin Dean, his favorite name was Grandpa Frankie. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

He loved sharing his country properties and Virginia history with them, including shopping sprees at every souvenir store they could find on their Virginia History Tours.

Frank loved the outdoors, mountains, gardening, construction, fishing, and a good game of ROOK, except when his daughter would shoot the moon without the hand to support it. He was always in it to win it.

Frank was one of a kind and known for his wit, humor, willingness to help, "orneriness," and generosity. He considered paying the restaurant bill a competitive sport he had to win, and everyone seems to have a story about him helping that somehow involved a falling tree. He would sign off every phone call with, "Let me know if you need anything."

In the seven years after his beloved wife, Betty, passed, it took a village to attempt to replace her. It is a true credit to the team at Brandon Oaks that he ultimately adjusted and thrived in their care. After initially earning "flight risk status," he settled in and made incredible friends among the other residents and staff.

In addition to the staff at Brandon Oaks and Good Samaritan, his family wishes to thank the village of friends and neighbors, too numerous to mention, for their love, support, humor, and wisdom, with special heartfelt appreciation to June Beasley, Tina Cannon, Delonnia and Jeff King, and Judy and Andy Thornton.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Oakey's South Chapel, 4257 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA. A graveside service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Beulah Baptist Church in Brookneal, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Angels of Assisi, www.angelsofassisi.org. Condolences may be expressed at www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey's Funeral Service - South Chapel

Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131